Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace. For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Because I was confident of this, I wanted to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea. Was I fickle when I intended to do this? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say both “Yes, yes” and “No, no”?
But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
I call God as my witness—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.

• 2 Corinthians 1:1-24

So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

• 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

Noted Biblical Scholars, Teachers, and Preachers Comments

2 Corinthians 1:1 ‘apostle’: ”This refers to Paul’s official position as a messenger sent by Christ … by the will of God. Paul’s mission was not a self-appointed one, or based on his own achievements. Rather, his credentials were by divine appointment, and his letter reflected not his own message, but the words of Christ (see Introduction to Romans: Author and Date; cf. Acts 26:15–18). Timothy our brother. Paul’s cherished son in the faith and a dominant person in Paul’s life and ministry (see … 1 Tim. 1:2). Paul first met Timothy in Derbe and Lystra on his first missionary journey (Acts 16:1–4). Timothy was with him during the founding of the church in Corinth (Acts 18:1–5), which, along with Paul’s mention of Timothy in 1 Corinthians (4:17; 16:10, 11), indicated the Corinthians knew Timothy. Perhaps Paul mentioned him here to remind them Timothy was indeed a brother and to smooth over any hard feelings left from his recent visit (see … 1 Cor. 16:10).”

• John MacArthur, John MacArthur Commentary (quoted Scripture without bold/italics)

2 Corinthians 1:2 ‘benediction’: “Christianity is a religion of benedictions. Whereas worldly people often use the language of courtesy toward one another without meaning what they say, the saints of God put a fullness of meaning into their expressions and really wish every good thing to those to whom they write or speak. Grace comes first, and then peace follows. Peace without grace is a dangerous possession. But a peace that grows out of the possession of grace is a gracious peace and will lead to the peace of heaven. This grace and peace are to come ‘from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ There is no grace tor us apart from the Lord Jesus Christ. And though the Father is full of love and will give grace and peace to his people, yet the Lord Jesus Christ must al-ways be the channel through which these incomparable favors flow.“

• Charles H. Spurgeon, from sermon notes

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ‘Sharing Our Stories’: “And then my team, the Indianapolis Colts, won the Super Bowl. Suddenly, the pressure was enormous from everyone who wanted to write ‘my story.’ It had been three years since Nathan and I had first talked, so we revisited my reluctance, and I changed my mind. It was the right decision for many reasons-but the one that was the main impetus turned out to be the most gratifying.
“Going into it, we felt that if one life would be blessed and made better because of something we shared, it would be worth the effort. I never imagined what God was going to orchestrate. We heard story after story of people who had been blessed, comforted, and whose lives had been made better because they read Quiet Strength. In many instances, people shared that they were challenged to make a difference in the world because of something we had written. I was humbled by many things through the process, including seeing the book become a New York Times bestseller. It was remarkable to see what God was able to do with my willingness to share.
“What about your own story? It may never appear in print, but that doesn’t mean it won’t touch someone’s life, the person God specifically wants to hear it. God has given you a unique story to share with at least one person-one that will bless his or her life.”

• Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker, Uncommon Life – Daily Challenge (excerpt from devotion for 23 February)

2 Corinthians 1:3 ‘God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’: “Paul praised the true God who revealed Himself in His Son, who is of the same essence with the Father (see … John 1:14, 18, 17:3-5; cf. John 5:17; 14:9–11; Eph. 1:3; Heb. 1:2, 3; 2 John 3). He is the anointed one (Christ) and sovereign (Lord) Redeemer (Jesus). Although the Son enjoyed this lofty position, He was willing to become a servant and submit Himself in His incarnation (see … Phil. 2:5–8). This great benediction comprehends the entire Gospel. Father of mercies. Paul borrowed from Jewish liturgical language and a synagogue prayer that called for God to treat the sinful individual with kindness, love, and tenderness (see … Rom. 12:1; cf. 2 Sam. 24:14; Ps. 103:13, 14, Mic. 7:18–20). God of all comfort. An OT description of God (cf. Is. 40:1; 51:3, 12; 66:13), who is the ultimate source of every true act of comfort. The Gr. word for ‘comfort’ is related to the familiar word paraclete, ‘one who comes alongside to help,’ another name for the Holy Spirit (see … John 14:26; Phil. 2:1). ‘Comfort’ often connotes softness and ease, but that is not its meaning here. Paul was saying that God came to him in the middle of his sufferings and troubles to strengthen him and give him courage and boldness (cf. vv. 4-10).”

• John MacArthur, John MacArthur Commentary (quoted Scripture without bold/italics)

2 Corinthians 1:4 ‘troubles’: “Paul mentioned troubles (Gk. thlipsis, lit. ‘burdens’ or ‘afflictions’) nine times in this letter (twice in v. 4; see also v. 8, 2Co 2:4; 4:17; 6:4; 7:4; 8:2, 13) and the corresponding verb three times: ‘distressed’ (2Co 1:6); ‘hard pressed’ (2Co 4:8); ‘harassed’ (2Co 7:5). Paul experienced numerous troubles as did many because of their allegiance to the gospel. These believers not only endured trials, but they were actually able to derive benefit from them. Difficult experiences forced them to focus on the internal rather than the external, and the eternal rather than the temporal (2Co 4:17–18). They received the comfort of God in time of trial. This consolation enabled them, in turn, to help others through difficult experiences.”

• Dorothy Kelley Patterson, General Editor, NIV Woman’s Study Bible (Patty Comber, Pauline Epistles contributor)

2 Corinthians 1:4 ‘Let God be your parent’: “My child’s feelings are hurt. l tell her she’s special. My child is injured. I do whatever it takes to make her feel better. My child is afraid. I won’t go to sleep until she is secure.
“I’m not a hero … I’m a parent. When a child hurts, a parent does what comes naturally. He helps …
“Why don’t I let my Father do for me what I am more than willing to do for my own children?
“I’m learning … Being a father is teaching me that when I am criticized, injured, or afraid, there is a Father who is ready to comfort me. There is a Father who will hold me until I’m better, help me until I can live with the hurt, and who won’t go to sleep when I’m afraid of waking up and seeing the dark.
“Ever.”

• Max Lucado, The Applause of Heaven

2 Corinthians 1:5 ‘Christ sufferings abound’: “God’s comfort to believers extends to the boundaries of their suffering for Christ. The more they endure righteous suffering, the greater will be their comfort and reward (cf. 1 Pet. 4:12–14). Paul knew firsthand that these many sufferings would seem never-ending (4:7–11; 6:5–10; 11:23–27; cf. Gal. 6:17; Phil. 3:10; Col. 1:24), and all genuine believers should expect the same (cf. Matt. 10:18–24).”

• John MacArthur, John MacArthur Commentary (quoted Scripture without bold/italics)

2 Corinthians 1:8-11 ‘undocumented imprisonment’: “That Paul wrote this letter from either Ephesus or Caesarea can be questioned. The Book of Acts does not mention Paul’s ever being in prison in Ephesus, although Paul did write from Ephesus about some threat that he faced in Asia, the Roman province of which Ephesus was the chief city (2 Cor. 1:8–11). The Book of Acts does refer to a Caesarean imprisonment, but Caesarea was much farther from Philippi than was either Ephesus or Rome.”

• Timothy B. Cargal, et al., The Chronological Study Bible

2 Corinthians 1:8 ‘our’: “An editorial plural, which Paul used throughout the letter. It usually was a humble reference to Paul himself, but in this instance it could include others as well. trouble which came to us in Asia. This was a recent occurrence (following the writing of 1 Corinthians) that happened in or around the city of Ephesus. The details of this situation are not known. despaired even of life. Paul faced something that was beyond human survival and was extremely discouraging because he believed it threatened to end his ministry prematurely. The Gr. word for ‘despaired’ lit. means ‘no passage,’ the total absence of an exit (cf. 2 Tim. 4:6). The Corinthians were aware of what had happened to Paul, but did not realize the utter severity of it, or what God was doing through those circumstances.”

• John MacArthur, John MacArthur Commentary (quoted Scripture without bold/italics)

2 Corinthians 1:10 ‘deliverance’: “Our text brings the past, the present, and the future vividly before us. It reminds us that God has delivered us in the past, will deliver us in the present, and will yet deliver us in the future. Memory reminds us of the deliverances in the past-‘He has delivered us.’ Taking Paul’s words literally as he wrote them, they recall how God has delivered some of us from physical death out of a terrible sickness. But we have had a greater deliverance than that; we have experienced deliverance from spiritual death. We also have been delivered out of times of despair, temptation, trouble, and trials. While we may not always fully recognize it at the time, we can be sure he is delivering us at this moment. He is going to supply all our needs (Php 4:19). Christian expectation looks for deliverance in the future-‘he will deliver us again.’ He has delivered us, so let us give him our gratitude. He is delivering us, so let us give him our confidence. He will deliver us, so let us begin now to praise him for mercies that are yet to come and for grace that we have not tasted yet but that we will taste in his good time.
“Three inferences follow from this. First, we will have tribulation as long as we are in the world. We will always be in danger as long as we are here. We will always need divine deliverance while we are in this world. Second, we may constantly expect a display of God’s delivering grace. Third, our whole life should be filled with praise of God our deliverer.”

• Charles H. Spurgeon, from sermon illustrations

2 Corinthians 1:12 ‘Conscience’: “Right or Wrong?
“Conscience is a universal, innate, God-given capacity to distinguish between right and wrong (Ro 2:14–15). It has two functions: to urge an individual to do what is perceived to be right and subsequently to commend or condemn, depending on whether the individual did what was perceived as right. A person who has a good and pure conscience consistently and genuinely acts in conformity with an inner set of godly standards (2Co 1:12; 1Ti 1:5, 19; 3:9).
“Conscience can be distorted, however. While this inner set of standards will be accurate if it is based on Biblical truth, the conscience will be unreliable if faulty standards have been consistently presented to it as being true. The old saying, ‘Let your conscience be your guide,’ will only be true if the individual’s conscience has been infused with godly principles. Thus, Christian parents have the important responsibility of communicating accurate standards of right and wrong to their children.
“Conscience can also be disabled. For example, it can become insensitive and calloused if the person consistently acts contrary to its standards (Eph 4:19). Even more seriously, the conscience can become ‘seared’ and of no value through deliberately choosing to believe the lies of deceiving spirits rather than God’s truth (1Ti 4:2).
“See also 2Ti 1:3; Titus 1:15; …”

• Dorothy Kelley Patterson, General Editor, NIV Woman’s Study Bible (Patty Comber, Pauline Epistles contributor)

2 Corinthians 1:14 ‘The Day of the Lord Jesus’: “ Many of the Corinthian believers were suspicious of Paul’s ministry. They often did not give him the full honor due to him as an apostle, and they often challenged his authority. Paul made it perfectly clear that he was ‘not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles’-that is, the original 12 (2 Corinthians 11:5). Without charge he preached to the Corinthians the pure gospel of God (verse7).
“With this in mind he reminded them that in ‘the grace of God’ he conducted himself with honor toward this church (1:12). He desired that the assembly thoroughly understand his apostolic mission, but if not, he hoped they ‘partially did understand’ his work. He pleaded for mutual respect, showing that ‘we are your reason to be proud as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus’ (verse 14). The ‘day of our Lord Jesus’ would be when the Corinthians, and all believers of the church dispensation, would stand before the Savior to give an account for their service.”

• Tim LaHaye and Ed Hindson, Exploring Bible Prophecy

2 Corinthians 1:14 ‘a spiritual heart transplant’: “Quote – Many of us don’t need a facelift; we need a heart transplant. – Rhonda H. Kelley”

• Dorothy Kelley Patterson, General Editor, NIV Woman’s Study Bible (Patty Comber, Pauline Epistles contributor)

2 Corinthians 1:16 ‘come again’: “Paul had planned to leave Ephesus, stop at Corinth on the way to Macedonia, and return to Corinth again after his ministry in Macedonia (cf. 1 Cor. 16:5–7). For some reason, Paul’s plans changed and he was unable to stop in Corinth the first time. The false apostles who had invaded the church seized upon that honest change of schedule as evidence of his untrustworthiness and tried to use it to discredit him.”

• John MacArthur, John MacArthur Commentary (quoted Scripture without bold/italics)

2 Corinthians 1:18-20 ‘saying yes and no’: “The Corinthians had accused Paul of being shifty, of saying ‘yes’ and ‘no’ in the same breath. Paul explained that his twice-changed travel plans were associated with the well-being of the Corinthians and not suggestive of a lack of reliability (v. 23). God is faithful, and the message preached by Paul was based on the person of Jesus Christ, who completely affirms all of God’s promises to his people. ‘Amen’ (v. 20; Heb. and Gk., lit. ‘let it be so’) was the response of those who accepted the gospel, experiencing security in Christ. Paul’s actions were prompted by God, who was and is completely and totally faithful.”

• Dorothy Kelley Patterson, General Editor, NIV Woman’s Study Bible (Patty Comber, Pauline Epistles contributor)

2 Corinthians 1:18 ‘as God is faithful’: “Paul may have been making an oath and calling God to give testimony (cf. 11:10, 31; Rom. 1:9; Gal. 1:20; Phil. 1:8; 1 Thess. 2:5, 10). Whatever the case, he refers to God’s trustworthiness and the fact that he represented such a God as an honest spokesman. not Yes and No. He was not saying ‘yes’ and meaning ‘no.’ There was no duplicity with Paul (nor with Timothy and Silas). He said what he meant and did what he said, unless there was compelling reason to change his plans.”

• John MacArthur, John MacArthur Commentary (quoted Scripture without bold/italics)

2 Corinthians 1:20 ‘The Solid Ground’: ”Everything that we can rightfully expect and ask from God is to be found in Jesus Christ. All of the things we might imagine that a god must and could do-these have nothing to do with the God of Jesus Christ. Again and again we must immerse ourselves very slowly and very calmly in the life, speech, deeds, suffering, and death of Jesus in order to know what God promises and what he fulfills. It is certain that we can always live in the nearness and presence of God and that for us this life is a totally new life; that for us there is no longer anything impossible, because for God nothing is impossible; that no earthly power can touch us without God’s will; and that danger and need only drive us closer to God. It is certain that we can demand nothing and yet can ask for everything. It is certain that hidden in suffering is our joy, hidden in dying is our life. It is certain that in all of this we stand in a fellowship that supports us. To all of this, God has said ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen’ in Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20). This Yes and Amen is the solid ground on which we stand…. Only if the earth was honored by receiving the human being Jesus Christ, only if a human being like Jesus lived, then, and only then, does it make sense for us human beings to live. If Jesus had not lived, then in spite of all the other people we know, honor, and love, our life would be meaningless.”

• Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I Want to Live These Days with You, devotional compiled from several of his writings

2 Corinthians 1:21 ‘He who establishes us’: “Christ’s saving work of grace stabilizes believers and places them on a firm foundation in Him (cf. Rom. 16:25; 1 Cor. 15:58; 1 Pet. 5:10).”

• John MacArthur, John MacArthur Commentary (quoted Scripture without bold/italics)

2 Corinthians 1:23-2:1 ‘unchristian practices’: “Such unchristian practices in Corinth required correction. Paul made a ‘sorrowful’ visit (2 Cor. 1:23–2:1), which did not resolve these problems. He then sent a ‘severe’ letter delivered to the Corinthians by Titus (2 Cor. 2:3–5). When finally Paul was reconciled to the church, he wrote to them both to celebrate their restored relationship and to have them prepare for yet another visit (2 Cor. 1:13–16).
“Scholars disagree over whether 2 Corinthians is a single letter, or was compiled from several shorter letters. Some think there were four letters: Paul’s ‘earlier’ letter (1 Cor. 5:9); 1 Corinthians; the ‘severe’ letter (2 Cor. 2:3); and 2 Corinthians. In this case, 1 Corinthians would have been the second letter Paul wrote to the Corinthian church; and 2 Corinthians, at least the fourth. Thus, one option is to accept that 2 Corinthians was originally written as it now appears in the New Testament, and suppose that the ‘earlier’ letter against sexual immorality and the ‘severe’ letter have been lost.”

• Timothy B. Cargal, et al., The Chronological Study Bible

2 Corinthians 2:1-4 ‘opposing Paul’: “Someone in the Corinthian church had publicly opposed and sinned against Paul (see 2:5-10), so he wanted to avoid a painful visit like his previous one (2:1). Therefore, Paul had written a tearful letter to them from an anguished heart so that they could deal with the sin, have their joy restored, and know of Paul’s abundant love for them (2:3-4).”

• Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (quoted Scripture without bold/italics)

2 Corinthians 2:3 ‘I wrote this very thing’: “Paul’s reason for writing was that those in sin would repent—then there could be mutual joy when the apostle came.”

• John MacArthur, John MacArthur Commentary (quoted Scripture without bold/italics)

2 Corinthians 2:5-8 ‘Harm to the entire church’: “Paul insists that the person had caused harm not so much to him but to the whole church (2:5). But he acknowledges that the Corinthians had exercised church discipline (punishment) against the person, so apparently the man had repented (2:6). Now it was time to restore this repentant brother by comforting him, forgiving him, and reaffirming their love for him so that he wouldn’t be overwhelmed by excessive grief (2:7-8). Biblical instructions on church discipline are crucial for dealing with sin in the church (see commentary on Matt 18:15-17; 1 Cor 5:3). But it’s also crucial that the church forgive when a sinning believer repents. For the health of the church, sin must be addressed, but love and forgiveness must be shown in response to repentance. We must never put a limit on God’s grace and mercy to sinners. Rather, we must seek to lead them out of sin to a place of spiritual restoration (see Gal 6:1; Jas 5:19-20).”

• Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (quoted Scripture without bold/italics)

2 Corinthians 2:9-11 ‘a test and a prompt to obedience’: “Rather than visit, cause pain, and exercise apostolic authority, Paul had written his letter to test the church’s character in this matter and prompt them to obedience (2:9). He made it clear that he too had forgiven the man, desiring nothing but their benefit (2:10). Satan’s goal is to incite disunity in the church, and this was a perfect opportunity for him to take advantage of them. Don’t be ignorant of his schemes (2:11). He’ll tempt you both to ignore sin and to refuse to forgive.”

• Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (quoted Scripture without bold/italics)

My Thoughts

Paul identifies himself as an apostle.  He identified himself in the same manner with 1 Corinthians.  In this case, he starts this letter by establishing himself as an apostle – someone called by Jesus personally to carry out a mission, Paul’s mission was to carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.

He starts the letter with two of his standard greetings: Grace and Peace.  With what he writes about in this first chapter and the start of the second chapter.  There has not been much peace.  According to some scholars, to explain what he is saying here, he left the church in Ephesus to sail to Corinth and address the issues at hand.  Basically, there was a false teacher, maybe within the Corinth church, who denied Paul’s apostleship and his teachings, introducing false doctrine back into the church.  Paul sent a “severe” letter.  Those who were still loyal to Paul repented and started the church on the right path, but only after Paul made this trip.  It seems this trip was not documented in the book of Acts.  Maybe Luke was not with Paul at the time.  Luke was probably from Troas since that is where he started following Paul.  Since Paul went to Troas to look for Titus, finally finding him in Macedonia, it seemed the inner circle of missionaries were divided among the larger churches that Paul had planted during Paul’s two years and three months in Ephesus.

So, this letter comes at the heals of that confrontation and the subsequent repentance.  Paul is making sure that there doctrine is strong so they do not waver from the truth again.  Thus, his greeting of Grace and Peace is heartfelt.  Those gifts are needed at Corinth.

Paul reminds the Corinthians that while we all suffer for the Lord and we share in that suffering, it is only right that we share in God’s comforts also.

Verses 8-11 speak of a possible additional suffering.  Some have said that it might be the riot, but then Paul would be getting ready to leave Ephesus.  This may be an imprisonment that is also not chronicled in Acts.  These omissions are not errors, but they are more like what John said about Jesus near the end of his gospel that if everything Jesus did was written down there would not be enough room in all the books, or something like that.  Enough is told in Acts to show the suffering Paul endured and the locations of the churches that were planted.  But Paul attributes their surviving the suffering partially due to the fervent prayers of the believers.

His upcoming trip to Corinth has been rearranged.  He had wanted to visit them before and after his trip to the Macedonian churches.  His trip planning is done in God’s grace with integrity and sincerity.  He may have said one thing, but there was always the provision of God’s will and as a result his travel plans were changed.  Our “yes” should always be “yes”, and our “no” should be “no” but in each case if the Lord wills it to be that way.  Old Testament vows were taken extremely seriously.  Jesus said to not even make a vow.  So, Paul shares his travel plans and leaves a caveat that plans can change.

But as for Paul’s message, that has always been that of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul and his team were filled with the spirit for that purpose, to spread the gospel.

Paul would not go to Corinth before going to Macedonia.  His “severe” letter was not to grieve them, but to show how much he loved them.  When someone is being severely chastised, it does not seem like love, but if love were not there, Paul would not have bothered writing the letter.

Paul writes in the next verses about the false teacher who had led the church astray.  Although he had told the church that Paul was not an apostle, Paul says that he grieved the church much more than he grieved Paul.  His punishment was carried out, but the church should not abandon him.  They should forgive him so that he does not drift rudderless.  The false teacher could be redeemed and needs support from the Corinth church.  Some think that the church leader who was living in an incestuous relationship in 1 Corinthians might have been this false teacher, but there is no evidence to conclude that to be the case.

Thus, when people have been removed from the membership due to inappropriate behavior, even this punishment should be treated with kindness and mercy, so that the lost soul could be redeemed.

Some Serendipitous Reflections

2 Corinthians 1:1-11 God of All Comfort 1. Paul found that intense pressures led him to depend on God all the more (v.9). How do you respond to pressures that seem beyond your ability to handle?
“2. Whom do you know that is under intense pressure now? How would Paul have you pray for them this week?
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11 Paul’s Change of Plans 1. What does Paul’s example mean for you in terms of how you relate to others?
“2. Paraphrase the ‘business deal’ of 1:22 in modern terms. How have you experienced this spiritual ‘new deal’?
“3. How does this passage apply to church discipline and restoration of fallen leaders today? Is there someone you need to forgive and comfort (no names)? Why not now?”

• Lyman Coleman, et al, The NIV Serendipity Bible for Study Groups

Second Corinthians 1:1-2:11 has two sets of questions.

Substitute whatever group for any reference to a small group or ask who could come to your aid.

If you like these Thursday morning Bible studies, but you think you missed a few, you can use this LINK. I have set up a page off the home page for links to these Thursday morning posts. I will continue to modify the page as I add more.

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory.